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Gross (left) and Xianlin Han analyze samplesResearchers at the School of Medicine, led by heart specialist Richard Gross, are studying how altered fat metabolism causes heart failure in diabetic patients. They have received a five-year, $11 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to continue their investigations.

Many older adults worry — a lot. Almost one in 10 Americans over age 60 suffer from an anxiety disorder that causes them to worry excessively about normal things — like health, finances, disability and family. Although antidepressant drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can improve anxiety symptoms in younger adults, little has been known about their effects in older people. In the largest study of SSRIs in older people with anxiety disorders, a team of psychiatric researchers found the drug escitalopram (Lexapro®) improved anxiety symptoms and quality of life.

Beverly Fishman, head of the painting department at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, will launch the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts’ spring Public Lecture Series at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22.

Herbert F. Hitzeman Jr., 81, retired senior vice chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis, passed away Jan. 16, 2009. A lifelong resident of St. Louis and a 1953 University graduate, Hitzeman rose from an entry-level Washington University development officer in 1966 to become one of the most successful advancement officers in American higher education by the time of his retirement in 1990.

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“Shattering Ceilings: Celebrating Success in Pursuit of ‘The Dream'” is the theme of Washington University’s 22nd annual celebration honoring Martin Luther King Jr. at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 19, in Graham Chapel.

Undergraduate tuition will be $37,800 for the 2009-10 academic year — a $1,600 (4.4 percent) increase over the 2008-09 current academic tuition of $36,200.

Photo by Robert BostonCobb heals the critically ill in the surgical ICU.

Undergraduate tuition at Washington University in St. Louis will be $37,800 for the 2009-10 academic year — a $1,600 (4.4 percent) increase over the 2008-09 current academic tuition of $36,200. The required student activity fee will total $378, and the student health fee will be no more than the current charge of $686. Barbara A. Feiner, vice chancellor for finance, made the announcement.

Matthew Ellis, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of medicine, has demonstrated that a surprising therapy can help control metastatic breast cancer.